Dear Friday Harbor Community,

In just two weeks, the last test will be completed, and the final grades will be recorded. The halls will be empty as children leave our schools to enjoy all that is summer vacation. Many students have spoken with excitement about their upcoming family trips, the jobs that they were able to secure, or the sleep they can’t wait to enjoy. Whatever the future holds, we can reflect on the 2024-25 school year and state without reservations that it has been an amazing experience.

Before the summer fun starts, however, there are enjoyable “end-of-year” events planned. In these final weeks of school, there have been fantastic band concerts, exciting athletic competitions, including some of our athletes competing at State, and many field trips. Promotions kick off on June 6 with a ceremony at the Early Learning Center for our Transition to Kindergarten class. Fifth- and eighth-grade promotions at Friday Harbor Elementary School, Friday Harbor Middle School and Griffin Bay School are planned for the last week of attendance. Graduations are scheduled for our two high schools, where over 70 seniors will proudly walk across the stage to receive a diploma for a job well done. Both ceremonies will be held on Saturday, June 7, with Griffin Bay School at the Grange Hall at noon and Friday Harbor High School in Turnbull Gymnasium at 5 p.m.

These celebrations are a testament to the dedication and determination of our students. Each graduate successfully addressed the rigorous academic coursework and now eagerly looks forward to the next step in their life. It is important to note that this is no easy task. The schools in Friday Harbor are consistently recognized as some of the best in the state. Teachers set the expectations high, and the students meet that challenge. So now, these graduating seniors consider the wise words of Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”

I have always enjoyed observing the lives and career paths of our graduates. But we can’t forget where our students’ educational journeys start, which now include our new preschool programs. The Transition to Kindergarten and Developmental Pre-Kindergarten will wrap up their first full year on June 6. Next fall, we are already set to welcome 17 new 4-year-old children into TtK and 12 students into the DPK for 3- to 5-year-olds. Additionally, we are happy to report that the DPK will be full-time rather than half-time next year. We are eager to measure the impact of these programs. State data reveals that districts with early learning programs consistently perform higher on third-grade assessments.

Let’s not forget Stuart Island School. Although it may be small, some amazing things have occurred there this year. The teacher, Ms. Alexandria Finch, and her students experienced education in a manner that is much different than it is in a larger setting. Stuart Island School students and staff presented “A Day in the Life of a Stuart Island Student” to the school board on May 28. It was educational and inspirational. We are pleased with what has been accomplished and look forward to year two.

We are also proud of those in our district who have received recognition for excellence this year. Many of these accolades have already been mentioned in previous press releases. We are thrilled to report on two new ones that have just recently been announced. The first was for both the elementary and middle schools. Due to their dedication to increasing achievement for all students, the State identified each as a Washington State Recognized School for the 2023-24 school year. A banner will be displayed at each site showcasing this success. Secondly, our Food for Thought program and our own Chef Andy were honored by receiving the Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award. The chef will personally accept this award in the fall.

Friday Harbor High School is still applauded by US News and World Report as a high-achieving school with 62% AP placement and over 93% graduation rate. Likewise, Griffin Bay School continues to grow and still maintains an on-time graduation rate of over 80%, which is an increase from the pre-COVID years.

As we close the book on the 2024-25 school year, we quickly turn our eyes to preparing for the 2025-26 edition. The State accepted that they were underfunding special education and increased the allocation. Although it did not completely match the need, the relief will be received with gratitude. Many of you contacted me about the fear of losing federal funding. Thankfully, that will not be the case for the next school year. Our district will continue to receive federal funds at this time.

Thanks to the generosity of this community, we have contracted with a company to replace the siding on the high school this summer. By this fall, all who pass by will see the new exterior. The following summer, we plan to do the same for the middle school. Additionally, we are replacing all the gutters at the elementary as well as improving the playground at the Early Learning Center. All the projects reflect your levy dollars at work.

Warmer weather is here, along with all the sights and sounds that define summer. We have had a wonderful year. I am sure that the 2025-26 school year will be another great one. I write this with confidence because we have skilled staff and an amazing community that puts children first. The sky is the limit as excellence in education remains our shared objective.

Fred Woods

Superintendent

San Juan Island School District